Spencer wasn’t progressing fast enough

The former 49er, who signed a one-year contract last offseason, is out the remainder of the season and played in just two games.

(Thought Spencer was making progress. Did he have a setback?)

Allen answered, “No. Really it was just a matter of the progress wasn’t as fast as neither he nor us as an organization wanted. And we were in a situation from an injury standpoint, we had to get roster spots to get guys on the active roster. It was not an easy decision.”

Also last Saturday, the Raiders cut seven-game starter Pat Lee to make room for Ron Bartell, who is back from broken shoulder blade. Allen said they kept Coye Francies, Phillip Adams and Brandian Ross over Lee because of special teams play. Lee had 400 more snaps than Ross this season at corner and the Lions claimed him off waivers Tuesday.

Detroit coach Jim Schwartz on Lee: he’s got starting experience and size. It’s rare that people like that become available